valet key for late model Stang? (non-PATS key?)

You can get the key cut w/ a plain key, but don't try to do it at walmart unless you know an employee there that will do it. They absolutely REFUSE to here because they say it'll screw up the "computer" if you try to start your car with it. *shrug*.

-Mike

Oh that's a bunch of bullwash. If you try to start the car with a non programmed key, it will turn over, fire briefly then die. It Basically cuts the fuel off I think, because that's how it acts.

As far as a valet key, check with the dealership and see if one is available for the car to begin with. If so, then you can look into programming and all that. I suspect that one isn't available. Since all of the locks are the same, and in order to move the car it needs to start...

Kate

98 Cobra Drop Top

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My thoughts exactly... well maybe something other than bull"wash", but still.

-Mike

A non PATS key cut correctly will certainly open the glove box or trunk. It will not harm your car to use it in the ignition nor will the car be drivable with it.

The only thing I can thing of that might be adverse is if you cycle the non PATS key multiple times OFF-START-OFF in the ignition. The computer might be programmed to interpret that as a potential theft ( or other programming activity) and lock the ignition so it would not start even with a PATS key and thus require a dealer visit for a "reset". But thats just wild ass speculation on my part.

I've got a plain key cut for my '01 Ranger, it opens the door just fine and was no more expensive to get than any other key.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tom

1998 GT Coupe 5-spd. Bright Atlantic Blue K&N FIPK, Tri-Ax, 3.73's, FRPP Coated Shorties, SpeedCal, P&P 2K Heads, 2K Intake, Bassani X-Pipe and Cat-Back, Subframe Connectors, JMS Chip, Eagle Alloy Wheels

I was ASSUMING (you know what they say about THAT) that he wanted a key to give to the guy at valet parking. Park the car, stay out of the trunk and glovebox.

Kate

| I've got a plain key cut for my '01 Ranger, it opens the door just | fine and was no more expensive to get than any other key. | | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | Tom | | 1998 GT Coupe 5-spd. Bright Atlantic Blue | K&N FIPK, Tri-Ax, 3.73's, FRPP Coated Shorties, SpeedCal, | P&P 2K Heads, 2K Intake, Bassani X-Pipe and Cat-Back, | Subframe Connectors, JMS Chip, Eagle Alloy Wheels |

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Give the Stang to a valet guy? I will walk ten miles in the pouring rain with my tux on before handing my Stang keys to some teenaged valet parking punk. Gee... I hate to admit it, but I knew some guys personally (long time ago) that were valet parking drivers... they would drag race the fancy cars while the unsuspecting owners were inside the catering hall eating dinner. NOBODY gets any keys to my Stang, ever! I would like a "valet type" key made so I can open the glovebox while my regular main key is in the ignition switch, that's the only reason. I call it a "valet key" because other manufacturers use this term to describe what I am talking about... a non-chipped version of the regular main chipped ignition key.

That's what I figured. On the valet parking thing... my JMS chip has a test position that rev limits the motor at 2500. Any time I have to get work done to the car or have to use a valet service I change the settings to test mode and hide the switchbox. Drag racing my Stang at

2500 rpm just isn't very thrilling.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tom

1998 GT Coupe 5-spd. Bright Atlantic Blue K&N FIPK, Tri-Ax, 3.73's, FRPP Coated Shorties, SpeedCal, P&P 2K Heads, 2K Intake, Bassani X-Pipe and Cat-Back, Subframe Connectors, JMS Chip, Eagle Alloy Wheels

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This above statement is wrong... I am half asleep... Sorry about that!!!!

Umm, as far as I know a valet key from the manufacturer is a key that DOES operate the ignition (how does the valet park and bring the car back to you if it doesn't??) and will operate the doors, but does not operate the glove boc, console or trunk. This way he can drive and park the car, but can not get into your stuff. What you want is a door only key, which will start and run the car... for a block.

What a great idea, I never thought of that. I have a Jacobs ignition with the security switch and a setable RPM cut off. I could just set it for 2500 before turning it over LOL!!

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Yeah, this is a great idea. I had been doing this years ago on my old musclecars... had the old MSD adjustable rev limiter hidden under the dash (one with the adjusting knob). I had a few close friends that were insane hot rodders, and every now and then they would graciously ask me if they could take my car for a test drive. Being good long time friends, I was obligated to let this take place... especially since they had let me drive their cars as well. Knowing that these guys routinely shift at or beyond redline and drive like lunatics, I would first set my rev limiter to about

4000 rpm, then let them drive... they would hit the limiter, and then I would just say "yeah, I think my fuel pump is starting to go south, gotta look into it".... at least this kept my car from being violently revved and shifted at extremely high rpm by these Parnelli Jones wannabees. Great for valet parking too, though I would never let any valet people ever touch any of my cars anyway... never have, never will. I give `em a tip and then say "where do I park it?"

OHHHHHH>.. why didnt you say so! Go down to AAA (if you're a member) and they will cut you a credit card key. It's only plastic but will work in a pinch. OR you should be able to get any ol ford key to work so long as it fits in the lock.

Kate

| --------------------- | | Give the Stang to a valet guy? I will walk ten miles in the pouring rain | with my tux on before handing my Stang keys to some teenaged valet parking | punk. Gee... I hate to admit it, but I knew some guys personally (long time | ago) that were valet parking drivers... they would drag race the fancy cars | while the unsuspecting owners were inside the catering hall eating dinner. | NOBODY gets any keys to my Stang, ever! I would like a "valet type" key | made so I can open the glovebox while my regular main key is in the ignition | switch, that's the only reason. I call it a "valet key" because other | manufacturers use this term to describe what I am talking about... a | non-chipped version of the regular main chipped ignition key. | |

That's a very cool trick. You much smart for Okie Boy!

| >--------------------- | >

| >Give the Stang to a valet guy? I will walk ten miles in the pouring rain | >with my tux on before handing my Stang keys to some teenaged valet parking | >punk. Gee... I hate to admit it, but I knew some guys personally (long time | >ago) that were valet parking drivers... they would drag race the fancy cars | >while the unsuspecting owners were inside the catering hall eating dinner. | >NOBODY gets any keys to my Stang, ever! I would like a "valet type" key | >made so I can open the glovebox while my regular main key is in the ignition | >switch, that's the only reason. I call it a "valet key" because other | >manufacturers use this term to describe what I am talking about... a | >non-chipped version of the regular main chipped ignition key. | >

| That's what I figured. On the valet parking thing... my JMS chip has | a test position that rev limits the motor at 2500. Any time I have to | get work done to the car or have to use a valet service I change the | settings to test mode and hide the switchbox. Drag racing my Stang at | 2500 rpm just isn't very thrilling. | | - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - | Tom | | 1998 GT Coupe 5-spd. Bright Atlantic Blue | K&N FIPK, Tri-Ax, 3.73's, FRPP Coated Shorties, SpeedCal, | P&P 2K Heads, 2K Intake, Bassani X-Pipe and Cat-Back, | Subframe Connectors, JMS Chip, Eagle Alloy Wheels |

Story time..

I have a '97 Cobra. I locked the keys in the car at work, 30 miles away from home. There's a Ford dealership about 10 miles down the road, and I know three people working there. I call them up and ask them to cut me a door key, gave them the VIN, and waited an hour or so.

I borrow my boss' truck and head down there. They hand over the key free of charge (helps to know people). I didn't need an original - they cut it straight from the VIN. This was a non-PATS key... no large head like a PATS key, just a Ford blank.

The key opened the door ok, but as the anti-theft system was activated, the unchipped key didn't deactivate that like the key fob would have (not sure if the chipped key unlocking the door would deactivate the system or not, never tried). I had to get the original set of keys from the driver's seat and turn the car on to disable the system.

This spare key would open the doors, trunk, and glove box as well.

It's worth a shot.. call 'em up and ask 'em if they could cut you a key like this. I know it's possible.

JS

There should be no question about if they "could" cut the key, the question would be if they "WOULD" - one local auto dealer will NOT cut a key from the VIN regardless of what identification you provide to show that you are the owner of the car!

Anyone ever try these guys?

Well, I personally know these guys, so it was ok. I bought the car used from a different dealership. I can understand why they'd be hesitant to do a service like this in most cases though.

The people he bought the car from should know him quite well and be ready and willing to provide this relatively simple service, and for free even. Even if they have to duplicate his key on the spot (which wouldn't take long either), they should be willing to help if they're a dealership worth anything.

JS

"JS" wrote in news:a%oKc.705$ snipped-for-privacy@nwrddc04.gnilink.net:

Any decent sized key place, and especially a Ford dealer, will have blanks that are the same as the PATS key, without the PATS head and can cut you a key, using your PATS key to cut the new one, just like cutting any kind of a key. Just ask them for one that will fit the locks without the PATS head. I had one cut at a dealer, and it was no problem.